Mumbai's Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande made history in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda by becoming the second No. 10 and No. 11 pairing to hit centuries in the same First-Class innings.
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Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande script history with unexpected centuries
Starting the day at 337/9, the pair mounted a significant last-wicket partnership, propelling Mumbai to a commanding position after securing a 36-run lead in the first innings. Kotian reached his century off 115 balls, hitting nine boundaries and three sixes, while Deshpande achieved his hundred from 112 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. This marked the first First-Class centuries for both players.
Their achievement mirrors that of Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee, who were the first to accomplish this feat during a match between Surrey and Indians at the Oval in 1946.
This partnership marks only the third instance of an Indian duo putting together a 200-plus run stand for the tenth wicket. Sarwate and Banerjee's 249-run partnership holds the Indian record, whereas the Ranji Trophy record was set by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh with a 233-run stand against Bombay during the 1991-92 semifinals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, where Sharma's unbeaten 259 and Singh's 78 led Delhi to victory based on the first-innings lead.
Talking about the match, Tanush scored an unbeaten 123 while Tushar Deshpande notched 120 to take Mumbai to a colossal total of 569 in the second innnings, which followed their first innings score of 384. Baroda have now an uphill task of chasing 606-run target.
Hardik Tamore set the tone for Mumbai's 569-run marathon
Ealier, Hardik Tamore was central to several key partnerships throughout the day, adding 66 runs with Musheer Khan for the third wicket before joining forces with Prithvi Shaw to add a brisk 124 runs for the fourth wicket in just 157 balls. Shaw, batting in the middle-order, also shone brightly with 87 runs off 93 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, which significantly challenged the Baroda bowlers.
Shams Mulani, Mumbai's spin bowling all-rounder, contributed a crucial 54 runs off 103 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, further bolstering the team's position with a 69-run stand for the sixth wicket.
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